October 25, 2011

 

REPUBLICANS OPPOSE MILWAUKEE HEARING ON EMPLOYMENT DISCRIMINATION

Taylor Leads Call for Hearing on SB 207

(MADISON) Sen. Lena C. Taylor (D-Milwaukee) took a special action to require the Committee on Labor, Public Safety, and Urban Affairs to hold a second public hearing on Senate Bill 207, which will allow discrimination against an employee on the basis of a conviction. SB 207 is a highly contentious bill that will have an immediate effect on thousands of people in Milwaukee and actually keep many from obtaining employment. Had the motion passed, the hearing would have been held in the City of Milwaukee and the public given three days notice of the intended date and time. The motion failed 17-16, with all Republicans voting against it without debate.

“SB 207 overturns a large portion of our non-discrimination statutes. Wisconsin is second in the nation for incarceration of African-Americans. On top of that, Milwaukee has almost 50% unemployment for men of color. SB 207 removes any hope of a job. Employment is one of the most important aspects of successful reentry, and I believe our state has a vested interest in assisting with that process,” Taylor noted.

SB 207 is expected receive a committee vote soon. Taylor encouraged persons who oppose the bill to contact the committee chair, Sen. Van Wanggaard (R-Racine) to voice their opposition at (866) 615-7510 or sen.wanggaard@legis.wisconsin.gov .